Engagement@Manchester is a series of lunchtime meetings exploring different aspects of public engagement. All University staff and students are welcome to attend. No registration required – just pop along.
The next meeting will look at 'Evaluating Public Engagement Activities' and takes place on Wednesday 20 February, 13:00 – 14:00, Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum.
We all know that evaluation is a way of asking and answering the questions “What was the point of our work? What difference did it make? What did we learn from this?” and yet many of us struggle to get to grips with planning and using evaluation successfully.
In this session you will have the opportunity to explore different tools and techniques for evaluating the impact for a range of public engagement activities. We will also explore the differences between outputs and outcomes, and have the chance to network with other staff and students interested in this aspect of public engagement to explore how you can take your ideas forward.
And don’t forget to collect a copy of the very useful guide: Manchester Beacon - Evaluating Public Engagement.
Speakers include:
Amelia Markey, Final Year PhD student, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology & Committee Member of the British Science Association, Manchester Branch - This case study looks at the use of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods for public engagement activities with specific examples from "The Tech factor" run as part of NSEW 2012 and "The Jab Lab" run as part of MSF 2012.
Menaka Munro, Curator of Primary Learning, Manchester Museum – This case study explores the use of participative evaluation methods within a museum environment, to help shape programme events and reporting to funders.
Suzanne Spicer, Social Responsibility Manager, The University of Manchester – As the author of a number of evaluation toolkits and publications, Suzanne will facilitate a participative session exploring the why, who, how and what of evaluation. We will tap into your understanding and experiences of evaluation and look at how intended outputs and outcomes can help shape impact. Group discussions will be lead by experienced public engagers.
To find out more about Engagement@Manchester visit: http://www.engagement.manchester.ac.uk
